Condoling the demise of Mehta, who died on Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness, Modi said the popular Gujarati humourist's writings reflected the "unity in diversity" of India.

"I would like to pay tribute to the noted playwright and comedy writer Taarak Mehta. He never left the side of satire and pen," he tweeted.

Reminiscing about his meeting with Mehta, Modi said: "I have had the privilege of meeting Mehta several times. I also got a chance to meet him when he was honoured with the Padma Shri. His work reflects unity in diversity in India."

Remembering him as literary genius, Gandhi said: "Taarakbhai, through his writings, took Gujarati literature to new heights. He championed human values of peace, happiness and social harmony."

She also conveyed her solidarity to the family, friends and admirers of AMehta, in this hour of grief.

"Gujarati writer and Padma Shree Tarak Mehta ji passes aways. May his soul rest in peace," Kejriwal, whose Aam Aadmi Party is planning to contest the next Gujarat elections, said in his tweet.

Mehta died aged 88 in Ahemedabad, his family said. His famous works include "Duniya Ne Undha Chasma", which inspired the hit Hindi sitcom "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah".